An elderly woman continues to recover after she was attacked by a rabid skunk.
Ruth Kromer, 82, of Wayne, says it happened late Saturday afternoon while she was in her garden.
“I fell down,” said Ruth. “But at my age I can’t pick myself up. He kept attacking me. The only defense I had was to throw him away from me. He was so adorable! He was a cute little thing!”
Bill Kromer, Ruth’s husband of 60 years, came outside where he discovered the bite wounds on his wife’s hand and ankle. Radnor Police arrived at the home on Louella Court where they captured and killed the skunk. Officials then tested the animal at the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Laboratories where they say it tested positive for rabies. Ruth must now undergo a series of vaccinations.
“We always have the animal examined,” said Radnor Police Superintendent Bill Colarulo. “Whether it be a raccoon, skunk or bats, we don’t like to take that chance.”
“He was just a little guy,” said Ruth. “But if he had been a big one, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
On Monday, police knocked on every door on Louella Court, alerting neighbors to check their pets’ vaccination records. While neighbors hope it was only an isolated incident, Ruth tells NBC10 it may be awhile before she does any more planting.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
“Honey, I’ve had a garden all these years and I’ve never seen a skunk,” said Ruth.
Anyone who may have been in contact with the skunk should call the Chester office of the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 610-447-3254.
